Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1887-03-31
OUT OF THE COMMON
Or How Happiness Came From
Disappointment.

And the sunlight danced in at the
window and turned her hair to shining
gold; touched the crisp gray locks of
John Rogers, and made friendly cir
Gle of light and warmth about the pair.
81 could not go against mamma s
wishes, you know" the young lady
said gently, playing with the ring on
her left hand. ''She has had long
talk with me this morning, and, though
knew she disapproved of our engage
ment, never realized before how her
heart was set against it,
"And you do not think by patient
waiting-by proving how earnest we
are"
mo, John. Mother can not look on
ii as we do; she realizes all the disad-
vantages and none of the hopes that
we have built on; and then" the
young lady glanced down once at her
delicate hands before she continued
"would it be quite fair, John, for me to
wait, and let all other opportunities
glide by, and grow old and sad while l
waitedp'
John started There was so much
caution suggested in the words. No
doubt she was but repeating them after
her mother, but they fell chillingly on
his ears from those young lips.
ut is true, Maud" he answered,
while look of pain fingered on his
face. "You shall not let other chances
of happiness slip by because you are
bound to me. 1t is not the love
thought you gave me-a love which
trusts and hopes in patient faithfulness
lam no longer young, dear, but l have
risked much on this dream of love com
ing late in life, but coming for the frs
time, Maud, and"-his voice broke
staying with me-always.
He arose and turned partly ava,
from her, quite still, leaning his ARM
on the mantelpiece. Maud Bransol
rose, too, and came toward him, he
delicate, beautiful face full of concern
There was nothing about John Roger
to attract notice. He was very plail
man, no longer young, but he had a
least some charm of mind or soul whicl
had won the love of very beautiful
woman. Her dress chung in graceful
folds to her slender figure, fillet o
blue bound the golden hair, which wa
eoiled in classic simplicity about he
head. He turned and looked at hel
taking in all the details of the picture
then he put his head down detected
on his crossed arms. Maud extende
one hand appealingly.
John, you will take itp''
"Yes, Maud" he answered, DRAWN
his breath hard. II take it-and II
nounce it." He patted the soft surfac
once or twice, thoughtfully. "All tina
came with it, and all that goes with il
Maud, goodbye"
There was such noble sadness i
his face that it touched her. TIL
proud head bent lower, until it reste
on John Rogers shoulder. She raise
herself with eyes still wet.
Goodbye, John. The world can
give just what we want"
mo, dear. What is it?"
Your ring"
He took the pretty sapphire ring b
had placed on her hand one day wit
only half-realized rapture and slippe
it in his breast pocket. 1t was wort
less now. And so John Rogers left I'll
house and threaded his way down ii
busy streets. The sunlight still dance
over him warm and beautiful, kissin
his grave face, his hair, his hands.
"'And let all other opportunitit
glide by;'" he repeated the words
himself, ruefully. Its not the oil,
fashioned love; not the love l used
dream of when was boy. Perhal
there isn't any nowadays"
He looked very tired as he ran |
the steps and rang at the door of b
clearinghouse. Clarice noticed
his landlady's daughter.
You look tired, Mr.. Rogers" loo
ing up from her work and speakil
through the open door.
He smiled, YEARLY.
DO Ie And what are you doin
Clarice? Still sewing for those har
ened little wretches?"
"Yes; isn't this big hole am dar
ing? Boys do wear out their cloth
so fast You are home early from {
Office"
"Yes. had an engagement at thr
o'clock and did not care to 90 BAG
MAY l come in and have chat vi
your"
20, yes. if you care to-" with !
quick smile. smile which her eyes
lied. and which always seemed to 10